If you’ve ever met a goat, you know one thing for sure—they are walking contradictions. These little divas will nibble on everything (your shirt, your shoelaces, and probably your patience), but when it comes to their actual food? Oh no, they suddenly turn into the Gordon Ramsays of the barnyard.
Here at Cajun Corral Farm, we take our goats’ nutrition very seriously. After all, a happy goat is a healthy goat, and a healthy goat means less unnecessary vet visits (and fewer judgmental stares from the rooster, who already thinks he’s superior).
After extensive research, a few side-eyes from my feed store guy, and a lot of trial and error (goats will spit out what they don’t approve of, in case you were wondering), I created the perfect daily feed mix:
- Goat Feed – The main staple, packed with all the good stuff for growth, energy, and overall goat greatness.
- Sweet Feed – Because even goats deserve a little treat in their bowl.
- Sunflower Seeds – A secret weapon for shiny coats and overall goat glam.
- Alfalfa Pellets – A top-tier protein source that keeps those bellies happy and hooves strong.
This five-star goat cuisine is served twice daily to all our spoiled barnyard residents. Even the babies get in on the action, sneaking nibbles from momma’s bowl as soon as they figure out the magic of pellets.
Despite their eat first, regret later attitude, there are actually foods that are a big NO for goats. While they may act like they want to snack on your potato chips or that mysterious plant growing in the corner of the fence, here are some things that are strictly off the menu:
🚫 Chocolate – Sorry, goats, no candy bars for you!
🚫 Avocado – This is a superfood for humans but super toxic for goats.
🚫 Nightshade Plants – Tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants may sound fancy, but they’re a digestive disaster.
🚫 Anything Moldy – Unlike some humans, goats do not appreciate aged flavors.
Azaleas are a big NO as well!
At Cajun Corral Farm, we keep things as natural as possible. Medications are only given if absolutely necessary, because nothing beats a strong immune system built on good food, fresh air, and just the right amount of sass.
Every ingredient in our mix is sourced from our local feed store, which gets it from a local mill—because supporting small businesses keeps the community strong (and makes me feel slightly less guilty about the number of snacks I buy while I’m there).
So next time you see a goat snacking on something questionable, just remember—picky eaters or not, a well-fed goat is a happy goat. And a happy goat? That’s just good farm living.
Of course, when we have our community events and visitors, they always ask what our picky eaters love to eat. One of their absolute favorite treats? Acorns. Yes, you read that right—goats love acorns! And honestly, we’re big fans too. Think of them as nature’s multivitamin, conveniently wrapped in a tiny, crunchy shell.
Acorns are packed with vitamins and minerals that help keep our goats in top shape. They’re rich in calcium, magnesium, and other essential nutrients, making them a nutritional powerhouse for our herd. When acorns start dropping in the fall, you’ll see our goats happily trotting around, searching for their favorite snack like little forest foragers. It’s basically a goat scavenger hunt, and they take it very seriously.
But just like humans with chocolate cake (or in my case, an entire loaf of garlic bread), too much of a good thing can be bad. Acorns contain tannins, which in excess, can be tough on a goat’s digestive system. That’s why we make sure they get them in moderation—enough to keep them happy but not enough to cause tummy troubles.
Another favorite? Bite-size carrots! And yes, I said bite-size—because while goats may act like they can devour an entire buffet in one sitting, the truth is, they have tiny mouths (adorable, but tiny). We like to keep their snacks choke-proof because the last thing we need is a dramatic goat choking incident. Trust me, these divas already demand enough attention as it is.
Carrots are crunchy, naturally sweet, and packed with vitamins, making them a perfect treat for our picky eaters. But don’t be fooled—just because they love them today doesn’t mean they’ll eat them tomorrow. (Goats, much like toddlers, reserve the right to change their minds at any given moment.)
Now, let’s talk cabbage—one of the few greens these picky eaters will actually gobble up if you’re the one feeding it to them. Because, let’s be real, goats love attention as much as they love snacks. Somehow, a leaf of cabbage is way more exciting when it’s hand-fed by their favorite human than when it’s just sitting in their feeder. (Drama queens? Absolutely.)
Cabbage is packed with fiber, vitamins, and hydration, making it a great occasional snack. But don’t overdo it! Too much cabbage can cause bloating, and trust me, a bloated goat is an unhappy goat—and an unhappy goat means I get extra attitude for the rest of the day.
Bite-Size Apples – The G.O.A.T. Goat Treat! 🍏🐐
If you really want to win over our picky yet food-obsessed goats, bite-size apple pieces are the way to go! These little snack machines go crazy for the sweet, juicy crunch of apples. But remember—bite-size is key because, as much as they act like bottomless pits, they do have tiny mouths (and we don’t need any dramatic choking incidents).
Kale & Spinach – The Goat’s Green Superfood! 🥬🐐
Move over, trendy health nuts—our goats were on the kale and spinach train before it was cool! These leafy greens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and all the good stuff that keeps our picky eaters looking fabulous and feeling fantastic.
But let’s be real—our goats don’t care about nutrition labels. They just know that if it’s green and crunchy, it’s going in their mouths. Kale and spinach are some of their favorite leafy snacks, and if you ever want to see a goat get ridiculously excited, try offering them a handful. It’s like giving candy to a kid—pure joy!
Squash, Cucumbers, and Pumpkins – The Ultimate Goat Spa Snacks! 🎃🥒🐐
If our goats had a self-care routine, it would definitely include snacking on squash, cucumbers, and pumpkins while basking in the sun. These juicy treats aren’t just delicious—they’re hydrating, refreshing, and packed with nutrients to keep our herd feeling their best.
Cucumbers? Think of them as nature’s goat-approved spa water—crisp, cool, and oh-so-refreshing on a hot Louisiana day. 🍃💦
Pumpkins? Absolutely! Our goats love munching on the flesh AND crunching on the seeds. Bonus? Pumpkin seeds are a natural dewormer—who knew goats were into holistic health, too? 🎃✨
And squash? Well, let’s just say our goats don’t discriminate—yellow squash, zucchini, butternut—if it’s squashy, they’ll eat it. It’s like a five-star farm-to-table dining experience for them.
So, if you ever find yourself visiting Cajun Corral Farm, feel free to bring some small, easy-to-chew chunks. The goats will love you forever… or at least until you run out of snacks. 😆🐐🥕